Already on Repeat Dispensing?
If you are on repeat dispensing this means you do not need to contact the surgery for your repeats. These will automatically be at the pharmacy, and you need to liaise directly with them. The pharmacy will tell you when you have collected your last batch (month’s supply). Once the pharmacy has informed you this is your last month of repeat dispensing, this is when you need to contact the surgery. We prefer you to do so online via our website (link below), but you can email us being sure to include full name, date of birth and address. All you need to state is “Can my repeat dispensing be reset”. We will advise you if anything is needed for monitoring of your medication.
Considering Repeat Dispensing
What is Repeat Dispensing?
Repeat Dispensing (RD) is a convenient way to obtain regular medication without needing to request a new prescription from the surgery every month.
Your GP can authorise a series of prescriptions in advance, usually for up to 12 months.
These prescriptions are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy, which can then dispense your medication when each supply is due.
This means you may be able to obtain your regular medication directly from your pharmacy without contacting the surgery each month.
What are the benefits?
Repeat Dispensing can offer several advantages:
· Fewer prescription requests to the surgery
· Less risk of running out of medication
· Easier access to regular medicines through your pharmacy
· More convenient for patients and carers
· Allows the practice team to spend more time on patients with urgent clinical needs
How does Repeat Dispensing work?
If your GP authorises 12 months of Repeat Dispensing, this is effectively the same as signing 12 individual monthly prescriptions in advance.
Although the prescriptions are sent electronically, your pharmacy receives the entire authorised batch and will release each prescription at the appropriate time.
Because these prescriptions have already been authorised, any changes to your medication during the Repeat Dispensing period may require the practice and pharmacy to work together to amend or cancel remaining prescriptions. This is not a very quick process due to system limitations at both sides. If something needs adding at a later date the whole thing has to cancelled and re-done again, the pharmacy contacted and original prescriptions returned etc.
For this reason, Repeat Dispensing is most suitable for patients who:
· Are stable on their medication
· Are unlikely to need dose changes in the near future
· Have regular long-term conditions that are well controlled
· Have established medication regimens that rarely change
Am I eligible for Repeat Dispensing?
Not everyone will be suitable for Repeat Dispensing.
For safety reasons, some medicines and products are generally not included. Examples include:
· Certain high-risk medicines (such as methotrexate)
· Controlled drugs (such as morphine, tramadol, gabapentin and pregabalin)
· Reliever inhalers (blue inhalers such as Ventolin® or Salamol®)
· Steroid creams and ointments
· Sleeping tablets
· Some mental health medications
· Appliances such as stoma products and catheters
A member of the clinical team will assess whether Repeat Dispensing is appropriate for you.
Why are some medicines not suitable?
High-risk and controlled drugs
Some medicines require closer monitoring to ensure they remain safe and effective.
Controlled drugs cannot usually be added to Repeat Dispensing because prescribing regulations and computer systems do not allow this. Common examples include:
· Morphine
· Tramadol
· Gabapentin
· Pregabalin
Blue inhalers
We do not normally include reliever inhalers (for example, Ventolin® or Salamol®) on Repeat Dispensing.
Frequent use of these inhalers can indicate poor asthma or COPD control. Patients requiring regular reliever inhalers may benefit from a review with our respiratory nurse or clinician.
Steroid creams and sleeping tablets
These medicines are generally intended for short-term or limited use. We prefer to monitor how frequently they are being used to ensure they remain safe and appropriate.
Mental health medications
Repeat Dispensing may occasionally be suitable for patients who have been stable on treatment for a long period. However, many mental health medicines require regular review to ensure ongoing benefit and safety.
If you wish to be considered for Repeat Dispensing for a mental health medication, please contact the surgery. A clinician may recommend a medication review appointment before making a decision.
When might Repeat Dispensing not be appropriate?
Repeat Dispensing may not be suitable if:
· A new medication has recently been started
· Your dose may need adjusting soon
· Your condition requires regular medication changes
· A clinician wishes to review your treatment before authorising long-term prescriptions
For example, if you have recently started treatment for high blood pressure, your GP may wish to review your response before considering Repeat Dispensing.
Which pharmacies can provide Repeat Dispensing?
Most community pharmacies can support Repeat Dispensing.
However, some online pharmacies may not be suitable. Some online pharmacy services automatically remind patients to order medication. When a patient is already on Repeat Dispensing, these reminders can cause unnecessary prescription requests and administration delays for the patient.
If your nominated pharmacy is not suitable for Repeat Dispensing, we will discuss alternative options with you.
Interested in Repeat Dispensing?
If you think Repeat Dispensing may be suitable for you, please contact the surgery or speak to your pharmacist.
A clinician will review your medication and medical history to determine whether Repeat Dispensing is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Please remember
Even if you are on Repeat Dispensing, it is important to attend any medication reviews, blood tests, or monitoring appointments requested by the practice. These reviews help ensure that your medicines continue to be safe and effective for you.